This is a well structured course with an emphasis on learning to understand the construction of the head and its features and using these skills to better create more intense, expressive portraits. Working with oil paints students will develop a series of artworks, from short expressive painting sketches, to longer more detailed pieces. The students will also be encouraged to work intuitively and expressively in tandem with an emphasis on accuracy of observation. The class has the benefit of two experienced models every day, as well as tuition from a talented professional artist, Charlie Schaffer. Students will receive one-to-one guidance throughout the course, and Charlie will be on hand to give regular feedback and constructive advice. He will also be demonstrating and painting alongside the students.

This course is suitable for students at our Beginner + level.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium, but still follow a structured path with guidance from the tutor.

Other course levels include:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Students spend time learning the very basics of the taught medium, for example, how to mix colours, use different tools, set up an easel. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience, they tend to follow a more structured path than our other courses, ensuring each student receives the guidance they need from the tutor.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

These courses tend to be less structured and instead are tailored to the classes’ needs and the direction they want to advance in. Choose an Intermediate course if you are looking to improve your skills and have more critical discussions around the work you produce.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

Our Advanced courses include our Masterclasses.

All attendees must be aged 18 or over.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring your own painting materials to the class, which you can store at The Art Academy for the duration of the course. If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order the one of the Painting Packs, below, at the time of booking, which will be available when you arrive for your first class. There is also a mini shop in the Academy that supplies the basics such as canvas boards, paints, Zest-it etc. (card purchases only).

The Academy is a white spirit and turpentine free environment and only odourless spirits, such as Zest-it or Sansodor, are permitted on the premises. These can also be recycled on site. If you are using oil paints you must bring 1 small jar with a lid to hold your solvent as this should be reused each week. If you want to dispose of your solvent please speak to your tutor as these cannot be poured down the sink and must be disposed of correctly.

Please note that pack contents are subject to change at the discretion of the Academy at any time.

Recommended materials from Charlie:

Conte sticks (very important as we will do a lot of drawing primarily with this)

Oil paints:

Titanium White,

Yellow Ochre,

Raw Sienna,

Burnt Sienna

Burnt Umber

Cadmium Red

Italian Green Umber (Michael Harding only)

Cerulean Blue

Cobalt Blue

Small canvas boards – these can be purchased at the Academy on the day of your course

About Your Tutor

CHARLIE SCHAFFER

Charlie’s work is almost exclusively based on the human figure, with a strong emphasis on portraiture. He works solely from life, believing that the interaction between painter and sitter is paramount to a painting’s success. He studied Fine Art: Painting at the University of Brighton, and is currently living and working in London as a full time artist. He has exhibited in a wide variety of exhibitions in and around London, such as exhibiting with The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Lynn Painter-Stainer Prize, and the London Group. He was awarded the Young Artist Award at the Lynn Painter-Stainer Prize 2014, and then in 2016 the Brian Botting prize for a painting of the human figure by and artist under 30. He has won other young artist awards at competitions such as the Pastel Soceity and the National Open Art Competition. He has also appeared on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year for two consecutive years.

Location

Mermaid Court

165A Borough High Street
London SE1 1HR
tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Borough (both a 5 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough High Street”.

All students have access to a common room and kitchen. Here you will find tea and coffee, a fridge, kettle, microwave and eating area.

There is a wealth of supermarkets, shops and cafes in the area as well as the world famous Borough Food Market just moments from our Mermaid Court location.

We are always striving to improve our facilities but due Mermaid Court being an old building we have limited disability access. Should you have any access requirements please speak to a member of the Academy team before booking the course.

Further Details

You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment.Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course.

Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of the course or it will be disposed of.

Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silentduring the class.

Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you at the beginning of your class.

Sometimes our photographer will pop in to get some of our classes in progress. If you would like to not be photographed please let the photographer know!

To find out more about what’s going on at the Academy follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. If you’d like to share images of your course, your progress or your finished work we’d love to see them! Please bear in mind you must have the permission of tutors, other students and models to photograph them.

If you would like more information or advice on courses at the Academy please contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk.

Oil Painting Pack

Available options:

A set of bristle brushes, both flat and round
One tear off palette (9”x12”)
One palette knife
One bottle of Zest-it (250ml)
One 10″x12″ canvas board
One 10″x14″ canvas board
Two 12″x16″ canvas boards
Six Daler Rowney oil tubes of Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, French Ultramarine and Burnt Umber

Please note that pack contents are subject to change at the discretion of the Academy at any time.

£50.00

Quantity

Places Available!

Quantity

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